Hi John,

The last several days have confronted us with some of the most horrific, senseless, abhorrent violence in recent memory. Hamas attacked and killed helpless civilians on the holy day of Simchat Torah.

My heart goes out to every Israeli and Palestinian facing the fear, loss, and devastation of these attacks and the conflict.

They killed innocent civilians. Babies. How can anyone do such a thing?

We need to stand together for human life and defend our collective humanity.

I wholeheartedly condemn the killings of innocent Israeli civilians -- as well as some extremists' calls for equal, retaliatory violence against Palestinian civilians. We must remember that just like the Jewish community is not responsible for the Israeli government, Palestinians are not responsible for Hamas's actions.

A Jewish member of my team -- whose extended family was under siege on a kibbutz during the Hamas attack -- sent me a video of people in NYC calling for a Palestinian genocide. He was worried and horrified by this reaction, and I am too.

We have to overcome the cycle of violence. We must work toward peace and harmony. End war, racism, and hate. And help every single human being reach their full potential.

I'm going to do what I can in Congress. And I hope you'll do what you can in your community, too.

Peace and love,

Jamaal